What affects willingness to pay for news online? What types of content are different audience groups willing to pay for? In what ways are different audiences willing to pay (e.g. regular subscription, donation)? How does this change over time and what influences that change?

Background

The Media and Creative Industries directorate wants to probe and develop evidence for considering new funding approaches and business models across its sectors which can better ensure growth, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. As new challenges arise, it needs to develop a strong research evidence base to lead on policy and to support these sectors and their wider impacts.In terms of media, MCI needs to consider how best to support television, radio and the press sectors to adapt to the ever-changing media environment while maintaining a media which acts in the public interest and with social and environmental responsibility. The place of regulation and government intervention should be considered within this context. The UK has a reputation for the provision of a dynamic, strong, independent and safe sector where freedoms of speech and expression are supported. There will be a natural focus on the BBC over the coming years as MCI looks at the sustainability of BBC funding and prepares for the start of the next charter period in 2028.

Next steps

Get in touch with csa@dcms.gov.uk

Source

This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:

DCMS areas of research interest GOV UK

Related UKRI funded projects


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    Funded by: ESRC

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    The project investigates the impact of digital convergence on the media industry, including the diversity of content and the economics of supplying media, which partially addresses the question about what types of content different audience groups are willing to pay for and how this changes over time.

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    The project is relevant as it investigates the relationship between citizens, media, and digital technologies, which could provide insights into willingness to pay for online news, but it does not directly address all aspects of the question.

  • Multiplatforming Public Service Broadcasting: The Specialist Factual Independent Production Ecology in the UK's Digital Television Landscape

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    The project explores the changing production ecology of the UK's independent specialist factual production sector in relation to public service broadcasting, which partially addresses the question about what types of content different audience groups are willing to pay for and how this changes over time.

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